What’s in a Word?
The other day, I was watching an old movie and it occurred to me that there are so many words that are no longer in vogue. For instance, pocketbook. No one uses that word anymore. My grandmother did, but then she’s been gone since 1972. Or valise. When was the last time anyone packed a valise? Valises are now the exclusive property of Goodwill and resale shops. Some have even been refurbished and used as stylized decor in high-end retail settings such as Manhattan’s ABC Home Furnishings at 881 Broadway. If you haven’t been there, it’s worth the trip. It’s like stepping back in time. Everything old is new again. Especially the way the merchandise is displayed. During my last visit a few years back, they had rows of restored school lockers. Nostalgia alone tempted me to nearly make a purchase.
Darling, Hold Me Close!
And when was the last time someone uttered those words? Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis? It sure isn’t happening in my house. Darling seems to have gone the way of Post Toasties, Now Voyager, and Tallulah Bankhead. We’ve become a society of babe, sweetie, and dear. Now, I admit, I like the sound of darling. It’s romantic. And there is nothing wrong with romance. Come to think of it, I’d prefer my darlings to be whispered in the dark and behind closed doors. I know. That’s highly unlikely. So in the interim, honey will just have to do.
The Chiropodist Has A Mistress?
A chiropodist was once the professional name for a podiatrist. Today, you won’t find a shingle boasting the services of a chiropodist. Too bad. Chiropodist is such an interesting word. It has a musical quality. I imagine happy toes, wiggling with excitement. And talking about excitement, does a rich married guy still have a mistress? I think the sexual revolution and the women’s movement have done away with that classification. And to be fair, when was the last time anyone was called a gigolo? I’m drawing a blank.
Partner?
Which brings me to the term partner. In my novel, After the Fall, there is a misunderstanding between Harry, a guy in his mid-50s, and Barney, a teenager, when the word partner is invoked. For the older character, the term partner is a substitute for a gay spouse. For the teenager, it sounds like two fellows in business together. I have to admit, even as a married man, I sometimes default to the word partner. Old habits die hard while new words take practice. I guess it really is all about being comfortable with change. Harry and I seem to share that struggle. But I’m working on it. And I guess that’s really all we can ask of ourselves. By the way, if you haven’t met my husband Jeff, he’s a helluva guy!
